‘Seize The Day’ – Starting Today!
“Let your life be a stepping stone to Christ and not a stumbling block.” 1 Cor. 8:13 & 10:31
"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify God who is in heaven." Matt. 5:16
‘Seize The Day’ – Starting Today!
By Robert D. Foster
In the movie, “The Dead Poets Society,” actor Robin Williams plays the role of a highly creative, somewhat eccentric college professor of literature. The setting is Welton, a prestigious preparatory school. On the first day of class, Williams the professor takes his students to the administration building and gathers them around a glass case containing pictures and photos of school heroes from years past.
Williams asks his students: "What do you hear them whispering to you?"
All the young people, mostly first-year students, stare at the display case but cannot think of anything to say in response to his question.
When he realizes the students are puzzled by his inquiry, Williams provides the answer he was seeking: "They are saying to each of you, ‘CARPE DIEM.’"
Then he continues: "Seize the day! The leaders of the past are gone. Their chances to make a difference are past. You must seize the day. The time is right, the needs are immense and the opportunities are unprecedented."
Professor Williams closes his exhortation with this stirring remark: "What I am hearing is not a whisper but a trumpet call: ‘CARPE DIEM!’”
Except for a minority of dedicated people in the world’s marketplace today, such a driving sense of purpose is conspicuously absent. Carpe diem, the Latin words that challenge the hearers to maximize opportunities presented to them on any given day, are what attracts unique individuals – true change-makers – to new realms of exploration and endeavor. As I survey today’s business and professional world, I believe this is the missing link in the chain that is necessary to ensure a strong, enduring and productive workplace environment.
Today I would like to issue a challenge: For you to start this week pursuing new frontiers and fresh opportunities, recognizing that doing so will not be without its battles. But be encouraged! In the 8th century B.C., Israel's Creator God said to His people: "Carpe Diem. I brought you out of Egypt and conquered the Egyptian army, now I want to do an even greater thing. I have in mind a new 'exodus'"!
As we are told in the Bible’s Old Testament, "Forget all the past – it is nothing compared to what I'm going to do! For I'm going to do a brand new thing. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a road though the wilderness of the world" (Isaiah 43:18-19).
So let me suggest, starting today: Get in step with God! Watch Him go to work on your behalf. Just as actor Robin Williams said in the film – but with far more authority – God is saying, “CARPE DIEM!”
Taken and adapted from Take Two on Monday Morning, written by Robert D. Foster. Permission to reproduce with proper credit is freely given and encouraged. For questions or comments, write: 29555 Goose Creek Rd, Sedalia, CO 80135, U.S.A.